d that the multitude had
seized on the cattle for a prey, because these things were done without
his permission; for he thought it an intolerable thing that they should
conquer and overcome their enemies by that power which he gave them,
and then that he himself should be so grossly despised and disobeyed by
them, that a mere man that was a king would not bear it. He therefore
told Samuel the prophet, that he repented that he had made Saul king,
while he did nothing that he had commanded him, but indulged his own
inclinations. When Samuel heard that, he was in confusion, and began to
beseech God all that night to be reconciled to Saul, and not to be
angry with him; but he did not grant that forgiveness to Saul which the
prophet asked for, as not deeming it a fit thing to grant forgiveness of
[such] sins at his entreaties, since injuries do not otherwise grow so
great as by the easy tempers of those that are injured; or while they
hunt after the glory of being thought gentle and good-natured, before
they are aware they produce other sins. As soon therefore as God had
rejected the intercession of the prophet, and it plainly appeared
he would not change his mind, at break of day Samuel came to Saul at
Gilgal. When the king saw him, he ran to him, and embraced him, and
said, "I return thanks to God, who hath given me the victory, for I
have performed every thing that he hath commanded me." To which Samuel
replied, "How is it then that I hear the bleating of the sheep and the
lowing of the greater cattle in the camp?" Saul made answer, That the
people had reserved them for sacrifices; but that, as to the nation
of the Amalekites, it was entirely destroyed, as he had received it in
command to see done, and that no one man was left; but that he had saved
alive the king alone, and brought him to him, concerning whom, he
said, they would advise together what should be done with him. But the
prophet said, "God is not delighted with sacrifices, but with good and
with righteous men, who are such as follow his will and his laws, and
never think that any thing is well done by them but when they do it as
God had commanded them; that he then looks upon himself as affronted,
not when any one does not sacrifice, but when any one appears to be
disobedient to him. But that from those who do not obey him, nor pay him
that duty which is the alone true and acceptable worship, he will not
kindly accept their oblations, be those they offer ever s